Animal trap



Feb. 5, 1946.

' Filed June 29, 1944 G. Bl WARREN Y ANIMAL TRAP 2 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor @waaziw Q8079 Ell/arm I Feb. 5, 1946. i G. B. WARREN 2,394,032

AN IMAL TRAP Filed June 29, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor 'eo/ye Bd/arrew Attorneys Patented Feb. 5, 1946 UNITED STATES i PATENT OFFICE George B. Warren, Los Angeles, Calif. Application June 29, 1944, Serial No. 542,673

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in traps, particularly for gophers, although it will be understood, of course, that the device may be used for catching any other animals for which it may be found adapted.

An important object ofthe invention is to pro- I vide, in a'trap of the character described comprising a pair of opposed, coacting, spring-actuated jaws, trigger means of unique construction for adjusting the distance between said laws as desired when the trap is set for use in different sizes of gopher holes or runs.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide a trap of the aforementioned character comprising a trigger means which may be mounted for operation by either a pushing or pulling force exerted thereon for releasing or springing the trap.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a trap of the character set forth embodying a construction and arrangement whereby the fur of an animal caught therein will be damaged in no way.

Other objects of the invention are to provide an animal trap which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, highly eiiicient and reliable in use, compact and which may be manufactured at low cost.

All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a trap constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing said trap set.

Figure 2 is a top plan view, showing the trap sprung or closed.

Figure 3 is a view in transverse ection, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view, showing th trap set.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view, showing the trap sprung.

Figurefi is a view in front elevation of the trap, showing said trap set.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a coil spring I. Formed integrally with the ends ofthe spring I is a pair of normally diverging arms 2. The forward portions of the arms 2 are formed to provide upstanding, transversely aligned loops 3.

Forwardly of the loops 3, the arms 2 terminate in inturned'free end portions 4 which are slidably connected by a ring 5 loosely mounted thereon. Formed integrally with the end portions 4 of the arms 2 are upstanding, oppositely curved jaws 6 and I of substantially inverted U shape. The law 8 is smaller than the jaw 1 to pass therethrough when the trap is closed.

Removably mounted in the loops 3 is a transverse shaft 8 onwhich said loops are slidable to permit opening and closing of the arms 2. Removably mounted on the shaft 8 is a substantially zig-zag rod 9. The rod 9 is provided on its ends with eyes III which are journaled on-the end portions of the shaft 8. Fixed on the rod 9 is a substantially segmental trigger plate I I. A prong 0r tooth I2 is struck from the trigger plate H for mounting bait thereon when desired.

In the arrangement of the trigger plate, etc., which has been shown, the trap is adapted to be sprung by apush'ing force exerted on said plate from the direction of the jaws 6 and I. In use, with the members 8 and II in a substantially horizontal position, as seen in Figures 2 and 5 of the drawings, the arms 2 are closed against the tension of the spring I, the loops 3 sliding inwardly on the shaft 8. Thus, the jaws 6 and 1 are opened to substantially the position shown in Figures 1 and 6 of the drawings. The trigger plate I l is then swung upwardly for swinging the rod 9 downwardly into engagement with the arms 2 at a point adjacent the loops 3. A pair of the recesses or pockets. in the substantially zig-zag rod 9 receive the arms 2 for securing said arms in closed position against the tension of the spring I and in this manner the trap is set. The trap is then placed in av gopher run, for example, with the open laws 6 and 1 in the sides thereof to receive the animal therebetween. When the gopher, pushing the dirt before it, enters between the jaws 6 and I and pushes on the plate ll, said plate is swung downwardly. Thus, the rod 9 is disengaged from the arms 2 and the trap .is sprung, the animal being caught between the jaws 6 and I. By engaging the arms 2 in different recesses er pockets in the substantially zig-zag rod 9, the jaws 6 and I may be spaced as desired when the trap is set. It will accordingly be seen that the trap, when set, may be adjusted to the size of the hole. When the trap is to be used for catching animals which are attracted by bait, the members II and 9 are reversed to position the prong l2 adjacent the jaws 6 and I. This may be readily accomplished by simply remoirins and replacing the shaft 8. The rod 9 will now engage the arms 2 on the opposite sides 0! the loops 3 from-the jaws 6 and I. Suitable bait is then impaled on the prong l2. The animal enters between the jaws 6 and 1. and attempts to get the bait. In so doing the animal pulls the plate ll toward the jaws 6 and l and the rod 9 is disengaged from the arms 2 thereby springing the trap.

It is believed that the many advantages of a combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to which will fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is: g 1. A trap comprising a pair of arms, a spring operatively connected to the arms for swinging said arms away from each other, a. pair of coacting jaws on the arms, a substantially zig-zag'rod mounted for swinging movement on the arms and engageable therewith for releasably securing the jaws in set position, and a member operable by an animal mounted on the rod for disengaging said rod from the arms.

2. A trap comprising a coil spring,1a pair of normally diverging arms integral with the ends of said spring, loops on the arms, a shaft slidably engaged in the loops, a pair of coacting jaws on the arms, a substantially zig-zag rod mounted for swinging movement on said shaft and adjustably engageable with the arms for securing the jaws in set position, and a plate fixed on the rod and operable byan animal for disengaging said rod from the arms for springing the trap.

GEORGE B. WARREN. 

